Minnesota Prairie Roots

Writing and photography by Audrey Kletscher Helbling

This week in Faribault: The incarceration of Japanese Americans, immigrant portraits & a historical novel March 16, 2026

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IF YOU WERE TO COLLECTIVELY consider two upcoming events this week and one current art exhibit in Faribault, you would find a common theme. That would be humanity and how we treat one another.

Let’s start with “Enmity and Empathy: Japanese Americans During World War II,” a talk by Dr. Ka Wong, set for 6 p.m. Thursday, March 19, at the Rice County Historical Society in Faribault. Wong, a professor of Asian Studies at St. Olaf College in Northfield wrote a book by that name. I’m 25 pages into the book, which was published in May 2025 by the Minnesota Historical Society Press and is a finalist for the “Emilie Buchwald Award for Minnesota Nonfiction” Minnesota Book Award.

Award nominee or not, this book is assuredly a winner for the depth and volume of information Wong shares about imprisoned Japanese Americans, something unknown to many Americans. My knowledge is limited, so I’m looking forward to this presentation.

In promoting Wong’s talk this Thursday evening, the county historical society shared this in a media release:

Drawing on personal interviews, archival sources, and historical literature, Professor Ka Wong explores the courageous struggles of trailblazers who left the incarceration camps and rebuilt their lives in the North Star State. He will share stories of college students pursuing higher education, including the two colleges in Rice County, young men and women training at the Military Intelligence Service Language School at Camp Savage and then Fort Snelling, the US Cadet Nurse Corps serving in Rochester hospitals, and entrepreneurial families and individuals in the Twin Cities and beyond.

All of this, of course, makes me think of the recent massive federal immigration enforcement in Minnesota. In that operation, many were illegally detained by federal agents, flown out of the state and held without due process in detention camps, where they remain. Others were released, some deported. I expect Wong may address this during his presentation. He can definitely provide historic perspective.

NOTE: Reserve a spot at this talk by calling (507) 332-2121. Space is limited. Admittance is free for RCHS members and $5 for non-members.

Immigrant portraits line the hall connecting the library, left, to the community center. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo March 2026)

ART EXHIBIT FEATURES IMMIGRANT PORTRAITS

Immigrants are the focus of an exhibit currently showing in the hallway between the Faribault Community Center and Buckham Memorial Library. Faribault artist Kate Langlais shows 13 of her portraits from her “I Am Minnesota” project. These are first and second-generation immigrants.

Four months ago, Langlais’ immigrant portraits filled a spacious gallery at the Paradise Center for the Arts in Faribault. These are selected drawings from that show. She’s also previously shown her artwork in the same space where the 13 portraits now hang.

In my opinion, these portraits should be shared as often as possible in Faribault, which has not always been particularly welcoming to immigrants. I’m certainly not talking everyone, but too many people would rather our newest neighbors from Somalia, Mexico and other countries leave our city. I’ve heard that shouted while protesting ICE operations.

(Promo from the Books on Central Facebook page)

AN AUTHOR TALKS ABOUT THE GOSPEL OF SALOME

Finally, St. Olaf College professor and author Kaethe Schwehn will talk about her newest book, The Gospel of Salome, at 6 p.m. Wednesday, March 18, at Books on Central in Faribault. The historical novel set in Biblical times follows a mother who is navigating a complex world of gender and power imbalances during the First Century. Schwehn will read from her book and talk about some of its themes, examining ideology, motherhood and a poignant argument for love and equality in today’s world, according to pre-event information.

I expect good discussion will follow, as it always does at these free literary events at Books on Central.

There’s a lot to be learned in Faribault this week. I hope locals and others will embrace these three opportunities to grow their knowledge and broaden their perspectives.

© Copyright 2026 Audrey Kletscher Helbling

 

Musings during a multi-day southern Minnesota blizzard March 15, 2026

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My husband, Randy, blows snow from our driveway Sunday morning. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo March 2026)

WHILE I SAT IN THE RECLINER hand-stitching loosened seams in a cuff of Randy’s flannel shirt and listening to “Face the Nation,” my husband was outdoors firing up the snowblower.

We are in the middle of a major winter storm in much of Minnesota. Snow began falling here Saturday evening and continues with some nine-plus inches of accumulation thus far in Faribault. Winds are whipping the new-fallen snow into a blizzard with no travel advised, roads closed, and more cancellations than I could possibly list. That includes cancellation of church services.

Little Prairie United Methodist Church, rural Dundas. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted file photo)

Across town, while I was stitching, then dicing celery and onions for the Chicken Wild Rice Hotdish I’ll make for supper, my friend Marian was tucked inside her home watching Little Prairie United Methodist Church services online. Broadcast not from the rural Dundas church, but from Pastor Penny Bonsell’s living room in nearby Northfield.

“She (the pastor) was in her slippers with a cup of coffee and her puppy needing to be removed from front and center!” Marian shared with me. “A close neighbor trudged through the snow to play the piano and she and her husband have beautiful voices. The puppy didn’t sing!”

Marian invited me to watch the service. I did. After I finished the breakfast dishes, ate the brunch Randy made, washed dishes again, and video chatted with my second daughter and one-year-old grandson four hours away in southeastern Wisconsin. Only light snow is falling in Madison.

Randy had just finished clearing the driveway and sidewalk when the snowplow came by, filling in the ends of the drive and walk with a deep ridge of snow. Back to blowing. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo March 2026)

Snow is still piling up here, falling thick and heavy. But the Rev. Bonsell gave thanks for the new white snow, which “reminds us to be clean and make a new start in life.” I appreciated her positive perspective, which can be difficult to consider when you’re out shoveling and blowing away snow in fierce winds as Randy did for 1½ hours this morning.

But as I watched the Little Prairie UMC Church service, I felt such peace. Pastor Bonsell has a calming voice, graceful and poetic. As she led the service from her cozy living room, fire blazing in the fireplace, slippers on her feet, sipping coffee, rocking in a rocking chair, I felt the comfort of words offered in song, prayer and in her message, “Restores My Soul” (based on Psalm 23). Said the pastor, “You are never, ever alone.” She also talked about light and darkness, referencing Ephesians 5:8-14 and choosing to live in the light, to choose good.

I took this photo early Sunday morning as the wind-driven snow began to pile up against the garage door. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo March 2026)

I didn’t intend to watch a church service when I was shaping the idea of this blog post around our winter storm. I attended worship at my church last evening given this morning’s service was canceled. But then my friend Marian’s words about the puppy and the pastor in slippers drew me to the Little Prairie UMC YouTube video.

Once online, I immediately felt at home in the pastor’s living room. I noticed a pillow with the directive to “Be Kind” positioned on a child-sized rocking chair. The fire blazed. The puppy roamed. Pianist Peter Webb sat poised at the piano.

Just like the Rev. Bonsell, I advised Randy to be careful while clearing the heavy snow. Here he blows open the sidewalk with dried hydrangea in the foreground. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo March 2026)

And the Rev. Bonsell, in her welcome on this “snowstormy day” (her words), advised everyone to be careful when shoveling the heavy snow. Then, before beginning the worship service, she asked for more people to make pies and salads for a March 27 Fish Dinner. She announced the Holy Week schedule and a 90th birthday party open house for twins Doris and Doug, showed a video of a youth group bowling outing, and more.

And during a sharing of the peace, typically hand-shaking, the pastor and her husband, Tom, kissed. That sealed it. The snow may be falling at a rapid rate as I write. The wind may be creating chaos in the world outside. But in a small southern Minnesota living room, a pastor brought peace and love in the middle of a blizzard that won’t end until 7 a.m. Monday.

© Copyright 2026 Audrey Kletscher Helbling

 

Art swap to benefit Northfield Supporting Neighbors March 13, 2026

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(Promo sourced from the Northfield Arts Guild Facebook page.)

Update: Due to the forecast winter storm/blizzard in Minnesota beginning Saturday, March 14, through Monday, March 16, this event could be subject to cancellation on Sunday. However, hours have already been added from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturday, March 21.

THE COMMUNITY OF NORTHFIELD is stepping up once again, as it has multiple times in recent months, to help immigrants in need following Operation Metro Surge.

From 1-5 p.m. this Sunday, March 15, the Northfield Arts Guild is hosting a Fine Art Fundraiser for Northfield Supporting Neighbors. Art created during February swap art sessions will be sold at the Guild’s Water Street Studios, 411 Water St. S. in downtown Northfield. One hundred percent of sale proceeds will go to Northfield Supporting Neighbors.

So what exactly is an art swap? It’s a group of artists gathering, creating and passing around artwork, all contributing at the same time. Basically, an artist builds on or adds to an original work of art that’s circulating around the room.

Local artists met for four two-hour sessions in February to create watercolor and acrylic art themed to Banksy’s “Flower Thrower” painting. That piece by the graffiti artist shows a masked man throwing flowers in a form of nonviolent resistance. This seems an appropriate choice given federal immigration enforcement agents wore masks and threw tear gas and other chemical irritants at protesters and resisters in Minnesota. Art has always been a tool of expression.

Now, as nearly all 3,000 federal agents have left the state (about 100 remain), recovery begins. The need is great for monies to fund legal aid, rental assistance, food and other basics among those impacted by ICE. This sale of collaborative art on Sunday is just one more way to help individuals and families who are struggling.

Northfield continues to show, via multiple fundraisers, that it cares deeply about those who call this southern Minnesota community home. They take the directive, “Love thy neighbor as thyself,” and put those words into action, this time with paint and paintbrushes.

© Copyright 2026 Audrey Kletscher Helbling

 

“The world needs art,” as seen at a Lakeville student art exhibit March 12, 2026

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“Pop Art Inspired by Roy Lichtenstein,” mixed media by third grader Samuel Aquino. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo March 2026)

DURING A RECENT OVERNIGHT STAY, my 7-year-old grandson asked me to draw the shape of Minnesota. I declined. He, the boy who drew state and world maps even before entering kindergarten, far exceeds me in his map making skills. Correction. He can draw far better than Grandma in any subject.

This shows some of the art created by Lakeville High School students. The exhibit is open until March 20. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo March 2026)

But it’s not just Isaac who impresses me with his art. It’s kids in general. I base that on my yearly viewing of student art displayed publicly during National Youth Art Month in March. “The World Needs Art” themes this year’s event. I wholeheartedly agree. We absolutely need art to express ourselves, to share ideas, to learn, to grow, to change, to celebrate.

Lakeville High School and Middle School art is displayed in the performing arts center building pictured here. Elementary school art is exhibited in the next door fine arts building.(Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo March 2026)

This year I toured exhibits of student art at a K-12 show at the Lakeville Area Arts Center. Although my grandson and his sister attend Lakeville schools, their art is not included. Elementary school art is randomly selected for display, my granddaughter said.

My husband, Randy, looks at elementary school art in a hallway of the fine arts building. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo March 2026)

Perhaps some day I’ll see my grandchildren’s art hung inside the Lakeville Area Arts Center. But for now, I enjoyed the creativity of other kids.

“Loonscape” by Aubrey Bartyzal. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo March 2026)

Take the mixed media “Loonscape” by kindergartner Aubrey Bartyzal, which earned honorable mention at the elementary school level. I could easily envision her rendition of Minnesota’s state bird on a t-shirt, tote bag or note cards. Set against a fiery sun and swimming in bold blue waters, the loon in Aubrey’s scene shouts “Up North at the Cabin.”

“Night Scene” by Millie Vosika, awarded Best of Show. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo March 2026)

Quite the opposite is high school senior Millie Vosika’s “Night Scene,” depicting a cityscape of towering buildings, a narrow street and a brooding night sky. The acrylic, watercolor and oil painting earned Best of Show and rightfully so. It’s impressive.

“Monkey Teapot” by Ruby Lyke. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo March 2026)

A ceramic “Monkey Teapot” by junior Ruby Lyke, simply put, made me happy.

A wall of art by Lakeville Middle School students. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo March 2026)

There’s much to celebrate not only in the actual art itself, but also in the student artists who create and in the teachers who guide them. To foster creativity in a child is, in my opinion, invaluable. I’ve bought markers, reams of paper, construction paper and other art supplies for my young grandson, who, if he’s not solving math equations, is drawing.

“Geometric Shapes,” a collage by third grader, Remy Espinasse. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo March 2026)

Some of the Lakeville students drew. Others painted. High schoolers used digital tools. A few molded clay. I saw varied art forms displayed.

This shows a portion of third grader Avery Rundell’s mixed media “2-Point Perspective Treehouse.” (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo March 2026)

I climbed a treehouse. Went to Australia to see the kangaroos. Saw Billie Eilish. All without leaving Lakeville.

A cropped version of seventh grader Kira Johnson’s mixed media “Crimson Kangaroo.” (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo March 2026)

That’s art. It takes you places. Broadens your perspective. Opens doors. The world does, indeed, need art.

“Billie Eilish,” a mixed media portrait by seventh grader Sadie Stevens. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo March 2026)

FYI: To see more student art in area galleries, check out the following: Area Student Art Show at the Paradise Center for the Arts in Faribault until April 10; The All School Art Show at the Northfield Arts Guild until March 29; the Owatonna Public Schools K-12 Student Art Exhibition at the Owatonna Arts Center until March 31; the Student Art Show at the Arts & Heritage Center of Montgomery until May 16; and the High School Art Show at the Waseca Art Center from March 24-May 1.

Exhibit photographed with permission of the Lakeville Area Arts Center. Artists retain the copyright to their art.

© Copyright 2026 Audrey Kletscher Helbling

 

Through my camera lens: Rural Minnesota in March March 11, 2026

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I’m drawn to photograph barns, this one along Goodhue County Road 11 west of Pine Island. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo March 2026)

IN THIS GO-BETWEEN TIME of almost spring here in southern Minnesota, the landscape appears mostly winter drab, plain, devoid of many photo opportunities. That is until I look beyond the bare-branched trees, the barren land, the basic gray of March skies.

The brightest farm outbuilding I’ve ever seen is this one along Minnesota State Highway 60 between Faribault and Kenyon. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo March 2026)

Color, although not abundant, can still be found among the neutral hues.

Camera in hand, I watched for bright spots and more on a recent business road trip with my husband to Rochester. I kept an eye out for anything I thought would be photo-worthy. Or interesting. My definition of both may differ from yours.

Along Goodhue County Road 11 to the west of Pine Island, I found lots of well-kept red barns to photograph. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo March 2026)

But I enjoy on-the-road, literally, photography—taking photos from the passenger seat inside a moving vehicle. This requires awareness, anticipation and quick framing with the camera set at a fast shutter speed. Clean, or mostly clean, windows help as does a smooth road.

Sometimes I get the image I want. And sometimes I get an unfocused photo. It’s a bit of a crapshoot.

Fog shrouds bins and a grain drying complex along US Highway 14 west of Rochester. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo March 2026)

Regardless of photo outcomes, I’m content to scan my surroundings, appreciating the nuances of rural Minnesota. On this particular Thursday morning along US Highway 14 about 20 minutes west of Rochester, I was drawn first to fog enveloping a farm site. Gray on gray on gray on gray. Gray skies. Gray bins. Gray grain dryers. Long gray metal buildings.

The restored historic Ear of Corn Water Tower near Graham Park in Rochester on a recent gray morning. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo March 2026)

Once in Rochester, color popped at me from a roadside attraction, the 151-foot tall Ear of Corn Water Tower built in 1931 for Reid, Murdoch & Co. The food cannery used the 50,000 gallon water tower in its canning operation, which included canning corn. The business changed hands twice before the plant closed in 2018. But the water tower landmark remains. I found it definitely photo-worthy as we passed by.

An American flag as photographed along US Highway 52 in Rochester. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo March 2026)

But something as simple as as an over-sized American flag flapping in the morning breeze, a red barn flashing color, a sprawling white farmhouse, a row of power lines, a distant farm site can grab my visual attention, too.

I always wanted to live in a sprawling farmhouse similar to this one along Goodhue County Road 11. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo March 2026)

I’m drawn to photograph rural scenes because of my farm background. Deep in my soul, I long to live again in the countryside, away from close neighbors, near nature, cocooned by quiet. But reality is that will never happen.

And so I find ways to reconnect with the land. In my writing. In my photography. In every season.

A farm site west of Pine Island along Goodhue County Road 11. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo March 2026)

Every farm field holds the hope of a farmer. Every farm site holds memories and hard work. And dreams. I see this on the road, through my camera lens, as my focus shifts with every mile covered.

Kenyon-Wanamingo High School sporting accomplishments banner signs. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo March 2026)

I view an ever-changing rural winter landscape of red barns, aged farmhouses, towering silos, untilled fields and then, on the edge of Kenyon, signage boasting local high school sporting championships. Such signs are common in small Minnesota communities.

I zoomed in on this eagle flying high above the land outside Kenyon. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo March 2026)

Nearing the end of this quick road trip, an eagle leads us along Minnesota State Highway 60 west of Kenyon before veering to the right. When I see this majestic bird on this day, I feel as I always do about eagles—in awe of their size, their power, their speed. I snap three quick frames.

Massive power lines stretch seemingly into infinity along US Highway 14 somewhere between Owatonna and Rochester. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo March 2026)

Time passes. Miles pass. Rural southern Minnesota unfolds before me, captured through the lens of my camera on an almost-spring day in March.

© Copyright 2026 Audrey Kletscher Helbling

 

Your lucky day with music o’plenty in Faribault on Friday, March 13 March 10, 2026

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WHETHER YOU LIKE country or Celtic, you’ll find music o’plenty in Faribault on the evening of Friday, March 13.

Just days before St. Patrick’s Day, metro-based Bonnie Drunken Lad takes the stage at the Paradise Center for the Arts for a performance beginning at 7:30 pm. The five-person Irish folk band will play traditional and modern Celtic, sea shanties and pub songs. Their music is sure to get you in a dancing-with-leprechauns, Irish frame of mind.

If you can’t catch the band in Faribault, you can also hear them at Charlie’s Restaurant and Irish Pub/Water Street Inn Ballroom in Stillwater from 11 am-2 pm Saturday, March 14. They’re among a line-up of musical groups playing at a St. Practice Day event. On March 17, Bonnie Drunken Lad will be back at the Stillwater location from 2-5 pm for a music-filled St. Patrick’s Day celebration.

Another option to hear these Irish musicians is from 4-6 pm Saturday, March 14, at Kip’s Irish Pub & Restaurant in St. Louis Park.

For tickets to the Faribault performance Friday evening, March 13, click here.

BLOCKS AWAY from Bonnie Drunken Lad’s show at the Paradise, a local four-piece country band will perform a free concert at the historic Cathedral of Our Merciful Saviour from 7-9 pm Friday, March 13.

The Old Country Boys sing with an authentic twang about daily life, love and hardship. Expect to hear songs by the likes of Merle Haggard, Waylon Jennings, Johnny Cash, George Jones, Hank Williams Sr. and Jr., Charlie Daniels, and Alabama, among others.

Although the concert is free, donations are accepted for Cathedral preservation. This event is part of the Faribault Cathedral Concert Series.

Interestingly enough, last March Bonnie Drunken Lad played at the Cathedral as part of the concert series. Now that I think about it, I’m pretty certain I attended that concert.

I’ve heard the Old Country Boys/Brothers, purveyors of old (not new) country music, play many times in Faribault, at Christ Lutheran Church’s weekly summer wood-fired pizza-concert night, Holy Smoke!

Now, on a Friday evening in mid-March, both groups will be back in Faribault performing country and Celtic music o’plenty at pre-St. Patrick’s Day concerts.

© Copyright 2026 Audrey Kletscher Helbling

 

Council chat focuses on housing in Faribault March 9, 2026

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Straight River Apartments under construction in 2022. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted file photo March 2022)

IN RECENT YEARS, Faribault has experienced a boon in apartment building construction, especially in the downtown area. Hillside Apartments, Straight River Apartments and Riverchase Apartments have all opened with Riverchase II coming soon.

Additionally space in downtown historic buildings has been, or will be, rehabbed into more apartments.

At the former Farmer Seed & Nursery site along Minnesota State Highway 60, Midwest Flats Apartments are under construction.

And on the south end of town are the new Elmview Apartments.

That’s a whole lot of apartments added to already long-standing apartment complexes and other rental units in the city. But apparently the need and demand are there based on discussions among local government officials.

Housing will focus a monthly City Council Chat slated for 5 pm Wednesday, March 11, at Viaduct Park. Specifically, Maxfield Research will present results of a housing needs analysis done for the Faribault Housing and Redevelopment Authority. That will include demographic trends, market demand, affordability challenges and projected housing needs over the coming years, according to the city of Faribault.

I’m curious about the results of that study. As an aging Baby Boomer, I hold a different outlook on local housing needs than a young person or young family just settling into the community or looking to buy a home.

What I appreciate about the monthly Council Chats are the focused topics, the informality of the gatherings, and opportunities for the public to ask questions, comment and mingle with city employees and elected officials. This is about as grassroots as it gets in local government. Listen. Learn. Discuss. Make informed decisions.

© Copyright 2026 Audrey Kletscher Helbling

 

And the winners of the Name a Snowplow contest in Faribault are… March 6, 2026

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These two new Faribault city snowplow trucks now bear names following a Name a Snowplow contest. (Photo credit: City of Faribault)

WHEN IT COMES to plowing snow, getting the white stuff off city streets as quickly as possible is likely top of mind for most property owners. We’re thankful when the plow clears our street, but even more thankful if that’s done before we’ve opened our driveways. There’s nothing quite as maddening as the snowplow plugging up the end of your driveway with a ridge of snow right after you’ve put away the shovel or snowblower. Timing is everything.

A tech inspired name for the snowplow also references the salt used on snowy and icy city streets. (Photo credit: City of Faribault)

But now the City of Faribault has put a little fun into snow removal by sponsoring a Name a Snowplow contest, much like the one held annually by the Minnesota Department of Transportation. The winners of Faribault’s inaugural contest to name two new snowplows are…drum roll, please: Ctrl Salt Delete with 84 votes (28 percent) and Darth Blader with 67 votes (22 percent). Both names were past winners in MnDOT contests.

Coming in third was Alexander Fariblow with 48 votes out of the 300-plus cast. Even though only two names were supposed to win, city officials discussed and decided to go with a third winner for a large front-end blower used to clear the downtown area. Good call, I say, as the name honors town founder Alexander Faribault whose 1853 wood-frame house stands downtown.

So how did the city get from contest idea to tagging two plows and a blower with names? First they asked for suggestions from the community with around 50 ideas submitted. Those were narrowed to six. The other three were Frost Responder, Farisnow and The Big Snowplowski. Then voting opened online.

But the city offered one more ballot option which I really like because it got kids involved. At a Halloween event at a local car dealership, the city placed decals of the top six names on the front of a snowplow. Kids and/or parents could then vote by putting their initials by their preferred name. About 60 votes were cast in that unique poll.

All in all, I’d say this first Name a Snowplow contest in Faribault was a success if you’re measuring community engagement and novel winter fun.

Second top vote-getter, Darth Blader. (Photo credit: City of Faribault)

Additionally, maybe seeing Ctrl Salt Delete or Darth Blader roaring down a snowy street will help us to be a bit more understanding if our driveway is plowed shut just after we’ve opened it. Maybe. I mean, raging at Darth Blader seems risky.

© Copyright 2026 Audrey Kletscher Helbling

 

Authors for Minnesota Day raises $50K for nonprofits helping immigrants March 5, 2026

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The pre-event promo. (Graphic sourced online)

MINNESOTANS ARE KNOWN for their generosity. And once again they showed up big time to support those affected by federal immigration enforcement in our state.

During a February 28 Authors for Minnesota Day event held at 26 independent bookstores throughout our state, $50,249 was raised (with 22 stores reporting) for the Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota and for the Women’s Foundation of Minnesota Immigration Rapid Response Fund, according to co-organizer, writer Jess Lourey. That happened in just four hours.

Amazing.

I photographed this sandwich board outside Content Bookstore in mid-February. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo February 2026)

At Content Bookstore in nearby Northfield, around $3,000 was donated to the two organizations. I was among the donors and among the many Content shoppers who visited with Allen Eskens, a writer of thrillers and mysteries from St. Peter, and Mary Bleckwehl, a Northfield children’s book author.

I got a free copy of this book for donating to one of the selected nonprofits. (Book cover sourced online)

Nearly 60 writers participated statewide in Authors for Minnesota Day, giving of their time and also giving away selected books to those who gave to the two recipient nonprofits. I snagged a soft-cover copy of Bleckwehl’s Arrrgh! Me Hate to Wait! Eskens had already given away his supply of free books by the time I arrived in mid-afternoon.

This event was about more than helping two deserving nonprofits focused on helping immigrants in Minnesota. This was also about supporting independent bookstores and Minnesota writers. Content Bookstore buzzed with shoppers browsing shelves, buying books and even standing in line to chat with Eskens and Bleckwehl.

To see this level of interest and support was encouraging, but not surprising. Minnesota has repeatedly proven, in the past few months especially, that it cares about and looks out for its neighbors.

Lourey, co-organizer with author Kristi Belcamino, posted on Facebook: “I was in tears several times throughout the day seeing how many people in our community want to support small businesses and immigrant rights. Thank you to all the bookstores and authors who participated, and to everyone who showed up—we got to see the best of Minnesota today.”

© Copyright 2026 Audrey Kletscher Helbling

 

Mutual aid marathon in Northfield aims to support those impacted by ICE March 4, 2026

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(Promo sourced from The Grand Event Center Facebook page)

THE GOOD FOLKS of Northfield, Minnesota, are organizing again to help their neighbors. This time it’s via a 12-hour Mutual Aid Marathon from 10 am-10 pm Saturday, March 7, at The Grand Event Center in this college town south of the Twin Cities.

Proceeds from the fundraiser will go to organizations—such as Sharing Our Roots and Northfield Community Action Center—providing mutual aid to those in the community impacted by federal immigration enforcement.

Doors open at 10 am at the event center, 316 Washington Street, just a block off Division Street in the heart of this historic downtown. Suggested donation at the door is $10.

From 10 until noon, attendees can enjoy a breakfast with 30 percent of entree sales going to organizations doing vital work in the community. Likewise, profits from a “pay what you can” appetizer buffet, which starts at 4 pm, will also be donated.

Event planners promise a full day and evening of live music, performances, poetry, political education, and powerful speakers. See the event poster promo above for a complete schedule.

Organizers are calling upon the public to: Bring friends. Bring family. Bring your appetite and your solidarity. Come for a while or stay for the entire marathon.

As I see it, the Mutual Aid Marathon is all about neighbors helping neighbors, which is the very definition of a loving and caring community.

FYI: You can also donate online (click here) through a GoFundMe launched by Raices in Action Mutual Aid.

© Copyright 2026 Audrey Kletscher Helbling